Former St Helens centre Jamie Lyon has criticised Great Britain's skill levels after being recalled to the Australia side for Saturday's Tri-Nations game.

Lyon, who will play for Manly in 2007 after several seasons with Saints, returns after a three-year absence from the side for the Test in Sydney.

Asked about the differences between the sides, he said: "I think the skill level is probably the biggest.

"The skill and speed across the park; I don't think you can really compare it."

The 24-year-old added: "The standard's a lot better here with the Australian team compared to the club over there.

Jamie's come away from a different style, a different trend of football where he was one of the better players

Ricky Stuart,Australia head coach

"If you look at the team, it's a great squad, there's skill all over the park, so that's probably been the main difference."

Australia head coach Ricky Stuart said: "It's nice for Jamie to get an opportunity. He's had a tremendous year in England.

"He's come away from a different style, a different trend of football where he was one of the better players there, and he's got a great opportunity now to fall back into the Australian way of playing and we're happy to have him in the side.

"We've been talking to him a little bit about a few of the players and I'll continue to do so now as we moving more into the preparation for (Great Britain)."